Vibratory compaction vehicle

ABSTRACT

A vibratory compaction vehicle comprises two rollers arranged in tandem on two identical frame parts. A drive motor, arranged in one of the frame parts, is drivably connected to gearing which comprises two centrally disposed drive shafts which are respectively connected to two identical gear trams and also to two weights which on rotation produce the necessary imbalance to produce the shaking action. The gear trams are drivably connected respectively to the two rollers and are symmetrically arranged about a central vertical axis of the vehicle.

United States Patent 11 1 Mozdzanowski 1 Nov. 5, 1974 [54] VIBRATORY COMPACTION VEHICLE 3,339,468 9/1967 Hall 404/117 3 1751 Inventor Joach-m Mozdzmwsk 3,263,333 313?? 553313 1287531; Denkendorf, Germany 3,566,761 3/1971 Domenighetti 4041117 [73] Assignee: Delmag Maschinenfabrik, Rheinhold Dornfeld, Esslingen am Neckar, Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr. Germany Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Roylance, Abrams. Berdo 22 Filed: Jan. 24, 1973 Kaul [2]] Appl. No.: 326,234 [57] ABSTRACT A vibratory compaction vehicle comprises two rollers [30] Forelgn Apphcatlon Prmmy Data arranged in tandem on two identical frame parts. A Jan. 27, 1972 Germany 2203785 drive motor, arranged in one of the frame parts is drivably connected to gearing which comprises two [22] :LSil. 404/117 centrally disposed drive Shafts which are respectively [58] Fntid EO Ic 19/38 connected to two identical gear trams and also to two 1 of Search 4O4/1l7 180/20" weights which on rotation produce the necessary im- 280/400 442 balance to produce the shaking action. The gear trams are drivably connected respectively to the two rollers [56] References (Med and are symmetrically arranged about a central verti- UNITED STATES PATENTS eal axis of the vehicle.

3,048,089 8/1962 Kaltenegger 404/117 3,280,7l2 10/1966 Beierlein 404/117 10 Clams, 2 D'awmg Flgures PATENTEMUV 5 m4 3;

sum 19? 2 8461337 1 VIBRATORY COMPACTION VEHICLE The present invention relates to a tandem roller or vibratory compaction vehicle having two rotatable ground contacting members in tandem and particularly, but not exclusively, to a shaker or vibratory roller having at least two roller bodies which are mounted behind each other on respective parts of a two part frame. The frame parts are connected together by a frame joint which enables relative movement of the two parts about at least one perpendicular axis. A driving motor is arranged on one of the parts. A gear mechanism, is provided which has at least one coupling, which is positioned above the frame joint and is capable of universal movement, for drive transmission from the driving motor to the rollers and to shaker or vibratory mechanisms, which are co-ordinated with each roller body.

A shaker tandem roller of this type known in Germany has a reducing gear, which is positioned on a different part of the frame from the driving motor. Two switch gears are connected to the reducing gear, and are respectively arranged on one of the parts of the frame. Downward pressure impulses are derived from these gears for the drive of the roller bodies on one hand and the drive of the shaker mechanisms on the other. This arrangement of the driving motor and gears necessitates two connecting shafts, positioned in the direction of travel. This results in an expensive construction and a high centre of gravity for the tandem roller. Furthermore, the driving apparatus is not easily accessible.

In another tandem roller known in Germany, the driving motor is positioned above the frame joint in order to provide for an imbalance at opposite ends of the tandem roller, outside the roller bodies. The imbalance is in each case provided by appropriate weights connected to the driving motor by articulated shafts and gears. A hydraulic motor, co-ordinated with each roller body, is provided for the drive of the roller bodres.

A tandem Steamroller is also known in Germany, which has a one piece Z-shaped frame, the central part of which extends between the roller bodies and on each of the shanks of which a roller body is mounted at the free end. Each roller body is capable of pivoting about a perpendicular axis. A driving cardan shaft, extends into each of the roller bodies and these shafts are connected to each other by an intermediate shaft which is positioned in the central part and is adapted to be driven by a driving shaft, which is mounted on the central part. An angled lever, adapted to pivot by means of a working cylinder, is provided for steering each roller body. The entire tandem roller is a relatively long construction owing to the space required for its steermg.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle including a frame having two parts joined to each other for relative movement about at least one axis, two rotatable ground contacting members mounted in tandem on respective parts of the frame, a driving motor disposed on one part of the frame. a gear train extending between the rotatable ground contacting members and drivably connected to the motor at a point between the two rollers and supported on the said one part of the frame, the gear train comprising a first portion extending from the axis of rotation of one rotatable member towards the other rotatable member, a second portion extending from the axis of rotation of the other rotatable member towards the one rotatable members and a universal coupling disposed between the two portions and adjacent the joint between the two parts of the frame, the portions being disposed on opposite sides respectively of the vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a shaker roller vehicle including a frame having two parts joined to each other for relative movement about at least one axis, two rotatable ground contacting members mounted in tandem on respective parts of the frame, two shaker mechanisms respectively associated with the two rotatable ground contacting I members, a driving motor disposed on one part of the frame, a gear train extending between the rotatable ground contacting members and drivably connected to the motor at a point between the two rollers and supported on the said one part of the frame, the gear train comprising a first portion extending from the axis of rotation of one rotatable member towards the other rotatable member, a second portion extending from the axis of rotation of the other rotatable member towards the one rotatable members and a universal coupling disposed between the two portions and adjacent the joint between the two parts of the frame, the portions being disposed on opposite sides respectively of the vehicle.

Consequently, for a tandem roller of short construction in the longitudinal direction, a design for the parts of the frame and the gear mechanism results which is essentially symmetric in the rotary sense with regard to the frame joint of the tandem roller. This leads to a simple and inexpensive construction having only one gear mechanism and space for mounting a seat for the driver. The construction, symmetric in the rotary sense, of the frame parts enables rational production and low stock-keeping, as well as a symmetric distribution of mass in the oscillating base. Only one cardan shaft is required for each drive. If the part of the frame adjacent to the driving motor carries the weight of an operator, it requires no compensating weights and a uniform compression and good mobility are attained. The drives are easily accessible.

In one advantageous embodiment of a shaker tandem roller, at least one articulated shaft, the axial length of which can be adjusted, is in each case provided in the area between the parts of the frame and above the joint of the frame, forthe drive of the roller bodies and of the shaker mechanisms, which are co-ordinated with the latter.

In order that the invention may be more fully under stood, one embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side elevational view of a shaker tandem roller, in which a part has been removed for clarity, and

FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the shaker tandem roller also with some parts omitted for clarity.

Referring to the drawing the tandem roller comprises a frame having two similar frame parts I and 1a, wherein the frame parts are connected together by means of a moint 2 which allows relative movement between the parts about a vertical axis. Two rotatable ground contacting members 3 comprising roller bodies 3, 3a are respectively mounted on the frame parts 1,1a.

The frame parts 1 and la and the roller bodies 3 and 3a respectively are positioned in staggered relationship so that on each side of the tandem roller a roller body projects in relation to the frame part, and any parts mounted thereon, positioned behind or ahead of it as the case may be. A seat 4 is supported on the frame part l by means of springs 5, and a base support 6 is attached to it. This support 6 provides a mounting for the steering column 7 with a steering wheel 8. The tandem roller is steered in a known manner by pivoting one of the frame parts l,la in relation to the other frame part. A mechanical or hydraulic steering mechanism (not shown) can be provided to carry out this operation.

An adjustable regulating plate 17 is mounted by means of screws on the frame part la with the plane of the plate extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the tandem roller. This plate 17 has a cavity having a cylindrical concave surface. The axis of the cylinder is horizontal. A pivotal plate 18 having an external surface of complementary shape to the surface of the cavity is adjustably arranged in the cavity and is fixed thereto by means of screws. A bearing support is attached laterally on the pivotal plate 18. Two shafts, positioned one above the other in the bearing support, are mounted in an overhung arrangement, and in each case a double wedge-friction wheel is situated on the latter.

On the pivotal plate 18, an accommodation body 10 is supported by means of springs 9 and is adapted for the mounting of a driving motor 11.. This motor is a petrol motor but other prime movers may be used. A fuel tank 12 and a water tank 13 are also mounted on the body l0. Parts 12 and 13 are not shownin FIG. 2.

A gear 14 (FIG. 2) is connected to the driving motor 11 and has two output shafts l5 and 16, positioned one above the other, on each of which a radially flexible coupling, in this case a cardan coupling, is arranged. Each of these coupling is non-rotatably connected to one of the double wedge-friction wheels mounted in the bearing support. Radial movement is possible between these double wedge-friction wheels and the output shafts l5 and 16.

On opposite sides respectively of the frame parts 1, la, a toothed gear 21 is positioned which is nonrotatably connected to the roller body 3 or 3a. The gears 21 are designed as reducing gears. Toothed belt drives 22 are provided for the synchronous drive of weights 23,23a which are arranged coaxially in the roller bodies covered by means of gear housings 24,24a. The belt drive has an adjustable tension wheel 25.

The gears 21,22 are non-rotatably connected to shafts 26 and 27, the axes of which extend parallel to each other one above the other in the area between the roller bodies 3 and 3a or the frame parts 1 and la respectively. The shafts 26 and 26a, which are positioned coaxially with each other, are connected to each other by an articulated shaft 28 of variable length. The articulated shaft 28 has a central removable part and two shaft parts adapted'for axial displacement in a bush provided with longitudinal grooves. These shaft parts are respectively connected by means of cardan joints to the shafts 26 and 26a. The shafts 26 and 26a are mounted in the gear housings 24 and 24a respectively. Below the articulated shaft 28, an identically designed articulated shaft is situated, which connects the shaft 3,3a respectively. The gears and belt drives 21,22 are 27 to the coaxial shaft which is mounted in the gear housing 240; for the drive of the roller body 3a.

A driving wheel is non-rotably mounted, on the shaft 26a and the shaft positioned below it is each case and each of these driving wheels is connected by a belt drive to one of the double wedge-friction wheels, which are in turn respectively connected to the output shafts l5 and 16, in a manner which is radially flexible but which is secure against rotation. With the aid of the ad- 0 justable regulating plate 17 and the pivotal plate 18.

which is adapted to pivot for adjustment, the belt drives arranged one above the other can be tensioned in the customary manner for operation. Movement of the driving motor 11 and the gear 14, which is firmly connected to the latter, in relation to the double wedgefriction wheels is taken up by the flexible coupling, which occupies an intermediate position.

The frame parts 1,1a, the roller bodies 3,3a with the imbalance weights 23,23a which are positioned in the latter, as also the gears 21, 22, which are coordinated with each of the roller bodies 3 or 3a respectively, the gear housings 24 and 24a, as well as the shafts arranged between them, can be of an identical design.

What we claim is:

l. A vibratory compaction vehicle comprising:

a first frame part;

a second frame part;

joint means coupling said first and second frame parts together for pivotal movement about a vertical axis;

a first ground contacting member rotatably coupled to said first frame part about a first horizontal axis;

a second ground contacting member rotatably coupled to said second frame part about a second horizontal axisi a first gear train coupled to said first frame part and extending, on a first side of the vehicle, from a position above said joint means to a position adjacent said first axis;

a second gear train coupled to said second frame part and extending, on a second side of the vehicle, from a position above said joint means to a position adjacent said second axis;

first eccentric weight means, coupled to said first member and said first gear train,-for providing vibration to said first member whensaid first eccentric weight means is rotated;

second eccentric weight means, coupled to said second member and second gear train, for providing vibration to said second member when said second eccentric weight means is rotated;

said first and second eccentric weight means being 180 out of phase relative to each other;

cardan shaft means, located directly above said joint means, rotatably coupled to one of said frame parts, and coupled to said first and second gear trains, for transmitting rotation provided thereto to said first and second gear trains to thereby rotate said first and second eccentric weight means synchronously;

power means, located on one of said frame parts, for providing rotation to said cardan shaft means; and

2. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein saidcardan shaft means is coupled to said first and second gear trains at opposite ends of said shaft means.

3. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim I, wherein said first and second ground contacting members are rollers.

4. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said cardan shaft means comprises an articulated shaft which is capable of axial length adjust- 0 said cardan shaft means is coupled to said first and second gear trains at opposite ends of said shaft means, and

each of said first and second gear trains includes a toothed belt.

8. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 7, wherein said cardan shaft means comprises an articulated shaft which is capable of axial length adjustment.

9. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 8 wherein said first and second ground contacting members are positioned in a laterally staggered arrangement such that at least one of said ground contacting members projects beyond the gear train adjacent the other of said ground contacting members. 10. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 9 wherein said first and second ground contacting members are rollers. 

1. A vibratory compaction vehicle comprising: a first frame part; a second frame part; joint means coupling said first and second frame parts together for pivotal movement about a vertical axis; a first ground contacting member rotatably coupled to said first frame part about a first horizontal axis; a second ground contacting member rotatably coupled to said second frame part about a second horizontal axis; a first gear train coupled to said first frame part and extending, on a first side of the vehicle, from a position above said joint means to a position adjacent said first axis; a second gear train coupled to said second frame part and extending, on a second side of the vehicle, from a position above said joint means to a position adjacent said second axis; first eccentric weight means, coupled to said first member and said first gear train, for providing vibration to said first member when said first eccentric weight means is rotated; second eccentric weight means, coupled to said second member and second gear train, for providing vibration to said second member when said second eccentric weight means is rotated; said first and second eccentric weight means being 180* out of phase relative to each other; cardan shaft means, located directly above said joint means, rotatably coupled to one of said frame parts, and coupled to said first and second gear trains, for transmitting rotation provided thereto to said first and second gear trains to thereby rotate said first and second eccentric weight means synchronously; power means, located on one of said frame parts, for providing rotation to said cardan shaft means; and means coupled to one of said frame parts for rotating said first and second ground contacting members.
 2. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said cardan shaft means is coupled to said first and second gear trains at opposite ends of said shaft means.
 3. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said first and second ground contacting members are rollers.
 4. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said cardan shaft means comprises an articulated shaft which is capable of axial length adjustment.
 5. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said first and second ground contacting members are positioned in a laterally staggered arrangement such that at least one of said ground contacting members projects beyond the gear train adjacent the other of said ground contacting members.
 6. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of said first and second gear trains includes a toothed belt.
 7. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 1, wherein said cardan shaft means is coupled to said first and second gear trains at opposite ends of said shaft means, and each of said first and second gear trains includes a toothed belt.
 8. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 7, wherein said cardan shaft means comprises an articulated shaft which is capable of axial length adjustment.
 9. A vibratory compaction vehicle accordiNg to claim 8 wherein said first and second ground contacting members are positioned in a laterally staggered arrangement such that at least one of said ground contacting members projects beyond the gear train adjacent the other of said ground contacting members.
 10. A vibratory compaction vehicle according to claim 9 wherein said first and second ground contacting members are rollers. 